Uttar Pradesh is making a decisive push to position itself as a global Buddhist tourism hub, combining major infrastructure expansion with international outreach. The Centre’s approval of the Barabanki–Bahraich stretch of NH-927 is set to significantly boost access to Shravasti, a key Buddhist site associated with Gautama Buddha.
The 101.5-km, ₹6,969 crore access-controlled highway will cut travel time by nearly half and improve connectivity across key national and state corridors, while also linking economic and logistics hubs.
The timing is crucial, as the state gears up to host the International Buddhist Conclave 2026 in Kushinagar, expected to draw global participants from across Asia. Together, faster connectivity and a high-profile international event underline a clear strategy—leveraging spiritual heritage to drive tourism, investment, and regional economic growth.
